RESQBug.com – Geek Speak to English

Do you have a jailbroken Apple iPod or iPhone?  Apple has applied for a patent called the “Systems and Electronics Methods for Identifying Unauthorized  Users of an Electronic Device”. Let’s skip the boring technical details and zoom in on the main issue… Apple wants to CONTROL what applications you choose to run on “their” products. While I understand the need to identify “suspicious behavior” and to send warnings to owners via email or text message, the patent shouldn’t (but does) include a user hacking, jailbreaking, unlocking, or removing SIM card from his/her own phone.

I realize that bypassing a manufacturer’s protection mechanisms isn’t covered by federal copyright laws;  what I don’t understand is WHY some companies feel that they need to stop you from using their products for uses that they never planned for.  Can you image what would have happened if Kleenex (which was first introduced as a makeup remover) had done the same thing?  They would have missed out on the product’s current, and MORE successful use as a general-purpose tissue.

If you use Chrome (the web browser from Google), you should upgrade to the latest version/release.  Did you know that if you find a bug in the browser, that has not as yet been found, Google will pay you between $1,000 to $3,000? So far, there have been 11 vulnerabilities addressed in this release; 3 critical, 7 high-risk and 1 medium.  Of the bugs, 1 addressed a Windows system bug, the balance deal with issues with the browser itself.  The most that anyone has earned from “seeking out” bugs in Google’s programs, so far, is $8,011 dollars.  Not too bad!

Think anybody will give Apple’s iPad a run for its money?  There are a number of players…  Google (gPad via HTC), LG’s Optimus Tablet, RIM’s Blackberry “Black Pad”, Motorola and maybe even Dell.  While the unending raves around the iPad are justifiable, I think that Motorola will get it right and deliver an appealing and high functionality device that will prove that there is room of an alternative to the iPad.  Don’t think so? Don’t forget that Motorola’s Droid put up a formidable challenge for the iPhone.

Remember, that the only dumb question is the one never asked. If you have any questions or comments, I look forward to them, please email or call me.

Cheers.

Allan

RESQBug.com Technical Services and PRAD Enterprise

“Managing Your Technology for Improved Workplace Performance”

c: 416.464.1508

e: allan@resqbug.com

t: http://twitter.com/resqbug

Visit us on the Web at http://www.resqbug.com

This article is for information purposes only.  It is recommended that individuals consult with an IT professional before acting on any information contained in this article. The opinions stated are those of Allan Waddington and not a reflection of any company he currently works with or has in the past.

“If you think it’s expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur.” -Red Adair

Do you commute to work everyday?  Well, you probably aren’t alone.  Waze is a social media tool that is trying to make the drive a little more fun.  Waze is a free turn-by-turn navigation based on live conditions of the road program for your mobile phone.   What makes it different from the other tools out there?  It’s 100% powered by users.  By joining the community of drivers in your area, you get and report road conditions like:  accidents, police activity and heavy/light traffic while at the same time using users’ data to build out  maps in real-time.  They have added a gaming twist too -you can earn points by driving places that others in your community haven’t been too.  For now, Waze’s is enabled for iPhone and Android users.

Do you get the feeling that Android 2.2 audio streaming  is tone deaf?  Turns out it isn’t you.  Android 2.2 can’t handle the progressive streaming codes used by some of the more popular music streaming services.  The good news is, Google has fixed the bug/problem, but no time-frame has been officially announced when the solution will be released, but you would think that it’s in the near future.

Remember the Death Grip that impacted the iPhone 4 and other smartphones?  A company called Tawkon believes that they have an application that won’t solve the issue, but will provide users with an idea of the radiation level they are being exposed to. The level of radiation is based on environmental conditions such as distance from the cell towers and manner in which the device is held.  For example, the iPhone’s antenna is located at the bottom of the device; if you cradle an iPhone too tightly in your palm, the antenna will need to work harder, increasing your exposure to radiation.  Oddly, Apple hasn’t approved the app for the Apple Store.  I’m sure this has floored Tawkon because Apple invited them to the Cupertino HQ where they had “positive” meetings.  The application is available at the Blackberry store and a version for the Android is in development.

Remember, that the only dumb question is the one never asked. If you have any questions or comments, I look forward to them, please email or call me.

Cheers.

Allan

RESQBug.com Technical Services and PRAD Enterprise

“Managing Your Technology for Improved Workplace Performance”

c: 416.464.1508

e: allan@resqbug.com

t: http://twitter.com/resqbug

Visit us on the Web at http://www.resqbug.com

This article is for information purposes only.  It is recommended that individuals consult with an IT professional before acting on any information contained in this article. The opinions stated are those of Allan Waddington and not a reflection of any company he currently works with or has in the past.

“If you think it’s expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur.” -Red Adair